STEALTHMARK · HEAD TO HEAD

All comparisons ↗

Inkling-Small vs Ling 3.1 Flash

Ling 3.1 Flash leads Inkling-Small by 14.6 points on StealthMark, 42.2 to 27.6. It leads on 6 of 9 benchmarks and Inkling-Small on 3, including both games. Ling 3.1 Flash scores higher on Newton's Mirror, with its largest category advantage in camera and placement.

See the difference ↘
All results ↗
All results ↗

Overall StealthMark

27.6/100Overall rank 43/53
42.2/100Overall rank 32/53

General Intelligence

25.5/100
35.5/100

Visual Intelligence

31.1/100
51.2/100

Reasoning efficiency

On every task, result quality and reasoning tokens are each compared with all measured models and weighed equally. Each dot is one model.

Single-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens on a single problem

Multi-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens across connected steps, as in agentic workflows

  • Inkling-Small

Open or local

Open modelApache 2.0
Open modelMIT

BENCHMARK BY BENCHMARK

Where each model leads

  • Inkling-Small
  • Ling 3.1 Flash
  • Other models
  • Median

DATASHEET

Specs and pricing

Inkling-Small takes 4× more context. Ling 3.1 Flash scores higher on StealthMark.

  • Inkling-Small
  • Ling 3.1 Flash
  • Other models
  • Median
PricePer 1M output tokens, input below
Inkling-Small: No list priceLing 3.1 Flash: $0.90$0.30 input
Context windowTokens per request, max output below
Inkling-Small: 1M4× largerLing 3.1 Flash: 256K
Output speedTokens per second, our measurement
Inkling-Small: Not measuredLing 3.1 Flash: 115tokens/s
SizeTotal and active parameters
Inkling-Small: 276B12B activeLing 3.1 Flash: 560B25B active
Developer
Thinking Machines LabInclusionAI
Released
Not published29 Sep 2026
Origin
Not publishedChina
Input → output
Text, image, audio → textText → text
Architecture
42-layer decoder-only transformer with sparse mixture-of-experts feed-forward (6 of 256 routed experts plus 2 shared per token); hybrid local and global attention; natively multimodal with a hierarchical patch image encoder and discrete-token audioHybrid-linear MoE; 72 layers (63 KDA, 9 gated MLA); 512 routed experts, 8 selected and 1 shared.

Full datasheets, every price and sourceInkling-Small ↗Ling 3.1 Flash ↗

Anticipating threats and planning ahead. Collect coins while avoiding ghosts. Ghosts move before the player each turn, and collisions cost a life. 3 levels in sequence, up to 66 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

Inkling-Small 30.2/100Rank 29/49

Survived 0 of 3
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 38 ptsTurn 17 / 20

Ling 3.1 Flash 43.1/100Rank 44/491 of 3 levels

1 of 3 played
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 26 ptsTurn 14 / 18

Points per level

LevelInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Level 1Second Thoughts
9 ptsOut of lives
Pending
Level 2Pressure Pot
6 ptsOut of lives
6 ptsOut of lives
Level 3Hide or Flight
8 ptsOut of lives
Not played

Cooperative planning and learning from experience. Coordinate two robots to push numbered cores onto matching sockets. Pressure plates hold doors open; moving either robot uses one turn. 5 levels in sequence, up to 152 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

Inkling-Small 34.7/100Rank 34/50

Cleared 3 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 518 ptsTurn 40 / 40

Ling 3.1 Flash 45.9/100Rank 38/503 of 5 levels

3 of 5 played
Latch: complete playing field
Level 49.8 ptsTurn 21 / 40

Points per level

LevelInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Level 1Hold the door
5.2 ptsCleared
5.2 ptsCleared
Level 2Crossfeed
9.8 ptsCleared
9.4 ptsCleared
Level 3Relay vault
2.8 ptsFinished early
Pending
Level 4Passing bay
8 ptsFinished early
9.8 ptsFinished early
Level 5Second thoughts
18 ptsCleared
Not played

Newton's Mirror

Same task instructions

Physics, perspective and recursive reflections, tested together. Explore the test ↗

The judgment

Inkling-Small

The sphere's apparent floor support, separate dark feature and broad paint ordering justify partial state credit. The major weakness is the largely missing mirror system: isolated side images and faint floor echoes do not establish repeated virtual rooms or curved spherical mapping. Downward framing, the oversized frontal panel, unresolved paint transport and satin surface appearance remain distinct limitations.

Ling 3.1 Flash

Central placement, separate airborne black paint and the elongated crimson coating earn substantial state and placement credit. Cyan contact remains unresolved. A few isolated sphere images provide limited optical evidence, while the defining repeated mirror structure is missing. Readable opaque metallic volume and restrained paint scale justify increased material credit. Core: 61.5/170; including the floor reward: 61.5/180.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
State at 600 ms14.0/2522.0/25
Camera and placement3.0/1513.5/15
Reflections8.0/12018.0/120
Materials and scale2.5/107.0/10
Floor-damage reward0.0/100.0/10

Benchmark task

A spinning metal sphere and paint in a mirrored room test physical reasoning, perspective and consistency across repeated reflections.

Selfie

Different task instructions

Visual construction and creative interpretation.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

The faces and dripping caps communicate a cute mushroom scene, but simple construction and weak spatial relationships limit the result. The defining foot-stamping action is unresolved, the flattering portrait is smaller than its painter, and the requested material contrasts are only partly conveyed.

Ling 3.1 Flash

An appealing, coherent storybook ant with a clear expression, complete silhouette and readable signal mechanism. Clean curves and warm accents support the composition, while simplified joints, schematic hardware, limited material differentiation and modest light interaction constrain its finish.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Task & likeness2.5/107.5/10
Anatomy & construction1.5/107.5/10
Space & placement3.5/107.0/10
Light & reflections3.0/107.5/10
Purposeful detail4.5/107.0/10
Artistry & character3.0/107.0/10
Materials & effects3.5/106.5/10
Visual integrity2.0/108.0/10

Benchmark task

Inkling-Small

Character scenes test expression, anatomy, materials and coherent visual construction.

Ling 3.1 Flash

An ant tending signals in a miniature workshop tests insect anatomy, purposeful gestures and the placement of small objects in a lit environment.

Mona Lisa

Different task instructions

Precise visual recall and portrait reconstruction.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

A recognizable but rudimentary Mona Lisa interpretation. Facial shading and subdued colors provide coherence, while the frontal blocklike torso, unresolved wrists, fingerless hands and shallow landscape substantially limit likeness, construction and finish.

Ling 3.1 Flash

A basic, uneven Mona Lisa interpretation with a clear facial focal point, articulated eyes and modest tonal volume. Weak likeness, oversized head proportions, unclear shoulders, curled bare arms and indistinct hands limit replication. The compressed composition and rectangular torso weaken an otherwise coherent earthy palette.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Task & likeness2.5/102.0/10
Anatomy & construction2.5/101.5/10
Space & placement3.0/104.0/10
Light & reflections2.5/103.5/10
Purposeful detail2.0/103.5/10
Artistry & character2.5/102.0/10
Materials & effects2.0/101.5/10
Visual integrity3.0/102.0/10

Benchmark task

An SVG interpretation of the Mona Lisa tests facial likeness, anatomy and the composition of a familiar portrait.

Beach

Same task instructions

Creativity, perspective and visual beauty.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

A recognizable sunset beach with a clear focal sun and appealing color transitions. Connected fish silhouettes and layered scenery establish basic coherence. Primitive figures, ambiguous recreation, sparse descriptive detail and weak grounding limit construction and depth. The aligned reflection supplies a useful lighting cue, but shadows and material effects remain underdeveloped.

Ling 3.1 Flash

A coherent sunset illustration with harmonious color, clean silhouettes and readable beach details. Its calm composition works well, while playful activity is modest. Simplified animal anatomy, shallow shoreline layering, repetitive foliage and a geometric reflection limit drawing sophistication and naturalism.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Task & likeness3.5/107.5/10
Anatomy & construction3.0/106.0/10
Space & placement3.0/107.0/10
Light & reflections3.0/107.0/10
Purposeful detail3.0/106.5/10
Artistry & character3.0/106.5/10
Materials & effects2.5/106.5/10
Visual integrity2.0/106.0/10

Benchmark task

A busy shoreline at sunset tests scene composition, animal forms and the relationship between light and water reflections.

Ground Truth

Same task instructions

Physical reasoning, light and visual reconstruction.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Ling 3.1 Flash

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Benchmark task

A plank, computer mouse and blueberry in a steel room test physical stability, spatial relationships, materials and lighting.

Raccoon

Same task instructions

Scene composition and interacting subjects.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

Recognizable animals, readable accessories and an appealing sunset support a coherent basic cartoon. Rounded construction leaves joints, riding support and steering unresolved. Decorative gradients contribute atmosphere, but directional lighting, distinct materials and convincing water displacement are weakly demonstrated.

Ling 3.1 Flash

An appealing sunset cartoon with recognizable animals, expressive faces and coherent landscape layers. The sky and warm water streaks provide its strongest rendering. Ambiguous seated support, stiff forelegs, a shallow hull and an unclear steering connection limit construction. Clean shapes and readable accessories add finish, while restrained spray and flat surfaces limit material and motion effects.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Task & likeness4.0/107.5/10
Anatomy & construction3.0/105.5/10
Space & placement4.0/107.0/10
Light & reflections5.0/107.0/10
Purposeful detail5.5/107.0/10
Artistry & character4.0/105.5/10
Materials & effects5.0/105.5/10
Visual integrity5.0/106.0/10

Benchmark task

A jet-ski scene pairs a canine driver with a raccoon passenger. It tests the placement and contact of interacting subjects, along with vehicle construction.

Pelican

Same task instructions

Subject construction and spatial relationships.

The judgment

Inkling-Small

The pelican is immediately recognizable, and its sweeping neck, shaped bill and orderly spokes provide character. Riding remains only partially realized: legs, pedal engagement, steering and seat support cannot be read confidently. Controlled graphic effects add atmosphere, but simplified construction and weak grounding keep the result basic.

Ling 3.1 Flash

A clean, appealing pelican illustration with a readable bicycle and coherent landscape. Bill shading, feather layers and faint wheel shadows provide modest depth. Uncertain pedal contact, simplified leg construction and limited material rendering keep the result within competent illustration quality.

Score breakdown

CategoryInkling-SmallLing 3.1 Flash
Task & likeness4.0/107.5/10
Anatomy & construction3.0/105.5/10
Space & placement3.0/107.0/10
Light & reflections3.0/106.5/10
Purposeful detail4.5/106.0/10
Artistry & character5.0/106.5/10
Materials & effects4.5/106.5/10
Visual integrity3.0/106.0/10

Benchmark task

A cycling pelican tests anatomy, riding posture and contact between the bird and the bicycle.